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We have been reading for a number of weeks about the construction of the portable synagogue, the "Mishkan", and that's the main topic again this week. We've read about how it should look; what it should be made of; how all the people contributed the materials, even more than were needed; and how each gave half a shekel coin to be counted. The Parshah this week is called Pekudei, which means "the accounting".

- What do you imagine was being counted or accounted for?

In Pekudei, Moshe accounts for all the contributions and materials donated to make the Mishkan. We learn in detail about how much gold, silver, and copper there was, as well as what they were used for you: how the blue, crimson, and purple wool were used to make the priests' garments, and how linen was intertwined with gold threads. We are also taught about the 12 precious stones arranged in rows to make the Priest's breastplate, the ephod. 

- Do you recall the number 12 from anything we've learned about so far in the Torah? What might these 12 stones have represented?

- Why would Moshe be counting these materials so publicly? 

- Why would this count be important enough to make it into the Torah?

The 12 stones represent the 12 tribes, so everyone knows that the priest is there to serve them equally. One interpretation of this counting is that Moshe was accused of keeping some of the donations, so he made sure there was a public accounting of everything that was received and where it all went. This would've been done to make sure no one thought he was stealing from the donations. 

- What kinds of things do you count or keep track of? Why?

- What does being counted mean to you?

- What do you like to be counted as, or counted for?

As Moses recounts all the materials, we are once again presented with great detail about how every part of the Mishkan was constructed. With the Mishkan complete at last, the people bring it to Moshe to show him how beautiful it is, and how they have followed every instruction. Moshe sees that everything was done properly and blesses the people. The description of the Mishkan is breathtaking in its detail - not just all the materials, but the sweet-smelling oils, the bells on the priests' clothing,  the dyed lambskins, and the menorah ready to be lit. Moshe sets it up and puts the finishing touches on it so it may be ready for use. Imagine how satisfied the people felt to create something so beautiful.  

- What's the last thing the people worked so hard to do? And for whom did they do it?

- How is building the Mishkan different?

- How do you feel when you accomplish something?

- What's the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

The Mishkan is truly theirs - they have built it for God and for themselves, their families, and their communities. Moses then makes sure they know how to set it up, and how to prepare the priests for their service - with yet more detailed instructions! Before the priests entered the Mishkan, they would wash their hands,  so ti would remain pure and clean. 

- Do you recall why God commanded that the Mishkan be built?

- What purpose or purposes do you think it might have served?

God has said that the Mishkan would be a place where God could live among the people. The Torah says that a cloud descended upon the Mishkan, meaning that the presence of God was there. The poeple could see the fire of the altar in the mishkan at night. The Torah says that, when the cloud was there, the people stayed where they were camped. When the cloud rose, they continued their journey to the land of Canaan and took the Mishkan with them. 

We conclude the second book of the Torah, Shemot. What a journey it was for our ancestors -  from slavery to freedom; from being abandoned by God to being remembered and blessed by God; from having nothing to having the Torah and the promised land; from not knowing what to trust or believe to joining together to build the Mishkan and accept the Torah. Finishing a book of the Torah is always an opportunity to reflect on how our lives have progressed, just as the Torah has progressed.

- How has your life changed in the past year or two? Have you been on a journey of any kind (literally or figuratively)? 

- What have you learned or discovered in the past year?

When we finish reading a book of the Torah, we say Khazak, khazak, v'nitkhazek, form the Hebrew word for "strength". This phrase can be translated as "be strong, be strong, and be strengthened", encouranging us to make our best effort both now and in the future. Just as our ancestors looked ahead to much they still needed to learn, to a journey ahead and a country to cal their own, so we look forward - with hearts of hope, wisdom, and generosity - to what changes the coming months and year will bring for us.

-  What is coming up in the future for you (that you knnow of)?

- What will you need to be strong for or work hard for?

- What do you hope for?

Shabbat shalom,

Dan